TERMITE INSPECTION BUCKS COUNTY, PA
Posted by Admin
When homeowners consider threats to their property, they are most likely to think about fires, floods and other natural disasters. However, there is another threat that is just as problematic and far more likely to occur. This threat is a termite infestation.
Termites cause more damage to homes and businesses every year than fires, floods and high winds. While the signs of damage from natural disasters and fires are immediately apparent, the same cannot be said for termite damage. The National Pest Management Association has estimated that termites cause approximately $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S. alone. Clearly, this should be an ongoing concern for any property owner.
The reason that termites are able to cause such large scale damage is that their destructive tendencies are subtle. They work in the dark, frequenting spaces in buildings where people rarely go. Termites eat wood, which means that they are attracted to the building's structural timbers. Wood that supplies support for floors and ceilings is vulnerable, as are wall studs and subfloors. The damage does not end there. Termites may infest furniture, paneling and drywall, causing wholesale destruction wherever they roam.
Termites live in large colonies in which the members care for one another. When conditions are right, meaning that plenty of wood is available, reproduction escalates. A single colony may have hundreds of thousands of members. If the colony becomes too large, it may split into two or more colonies. Suddenly, the property owner is dealing with a huge infestation that causes massive amounts of damage.
However, most of it is happening out of sight. People may not know they have a problem until something catastrophic occurs. It is infinitely better to have a professional termite inspection before this stage is reached.
Termite inspections are not something that a property owner should attempt to do themselves. This is because the average person may not where to look for termites, and may not recognize the signs of a termite infestation. In fact, termites can be so clever about the damage they cause that even a seasoned inspector may miss some of the warning signs. Fortunately, a well-trained technician rarely overlooks anything in a termite inspection.
Termite inspections tend to be fairly time intensive. The entire interior of the building will be inspected. This includes basements and crawlspaces. Even the attic may be reviewed to check for the presence of termites or other troublesome pests. The inspector further takes a close look at the building's exterior.
CONDUCTING A TERMITE INSPECTION
One of the most common telltale signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes on the buildings. Frequently, these are found on the foundation or in the basement or crawlspace. Termites use the tunnels like freeways to help them get around materials that they cannot eat. Additionally, the mud tubes provide protection from the elements, like sunlight, that can promote dehydration.
The inspector also will look for mud deposited in construction joints or in small holes and cracks. Termites block these openings with mud to provide protection from the elements. The inspector even looks for potential problems on the property. These problems may include wood fencing placed close to a structure or wood mulch that is used just a few inches away from the foundation. Even a pile of firewood can be a potential hazard when it is located too close to structures.
Throughout the inspection, the technician may check sections of wood to listen for a flat sound that indicates that the wood is being hollowed from the inside. Conducting a proper termite inspection requires training and experience.
With the inspection complete, the inspector will fill out a report that tells the property owner whether or not wood-damaging pests were discovered, and, if so, what kinds of pests are present. The next step is to schedule a termite treatment and repair any damage that these annoying pests have caused.
Home and business owners will discover that having routine termite inspections provides them with several benefits. The first of these is peace of mind. Regular inspections can alert property owners to new problems before they become more difficult to manage. Also, they keep people informed about the overall health and safety of their property. That is something that can help anyone sleep easier at night.
Routine termite inspections also translate to financial savings. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to properties before the owner is even aware that there is a problem.
Another valuable benefit that property owners get from regular termite inspections is the knowledge that their home or office is structurally sound. This is especially important when people are considering selling the property. If a termite problem is discovered during the inspection or appraisal, then it may become impossible to sell the property until the termites are removed and the damage is repaired. When routine inspections are conducted, this is not a concern.
Regular termite inspections are an essential aspect of property ownership. Homes, offices, retail spaces and industrial sites all need the attention of a well-trained Bucks County termite technician. With their assistance, property owners will quickly realize the benefits that a termite inspection can hold for them.
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TERMITE INSPECTION?
Industry experts agree that one of the best ways to protect your home or business is to subject the structure to a full termite inspection at least every two to three years.
Schedule a FREE termite inspection today. 
